Government to build 6km power line to boost electricity in Bia West – Energy Minister

The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has announced that the government will construct a new six-kilometre power line to improve electricity supply in the Bia West District, following years of persistent power outages affecting residents.

Speaking in Parliament on Monday, March 16, 2026, the minister explained that the initiative is part of government efforts to address long-standing electricity challenges in the constituency. He was responding to a question raised by the Member of Parliament for Bia West, Mustapha Tanko Amadu, who sought clarification on measures being taken to improve the reliability of power supply in the area.

According to the minister, the current electricity challenges in Bia West are largely due to the long transmission distance of the existing feeder line serving the constituency. He explained that the area currently receives electricity through a 33-kilovolt feeder line from Bonsu-Nkwanta, which stretches approximately 80 kilometres through a forest zone before reaching communities in the district.

Mr. Jinapor noted that the long distance and heavy vegetation along the transmission route often cause frequent disruptions to electricity supply. Trees and dense forest growth along the feeder line corridor regularly interfere with the power lines, leading to outages and service interruptions for residents.

He indicated that the government inherited the power challenge but has since developed a plan aimed at significantly improving electricity reliability in the district.

As part of the intervention, the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition intends to construct and divert a six-kilometre section of the Benkyema feeder line between Nsesemu and Elukrom.

The minister explained that once completed, the new line will help reduce outages caused by vegetation along the existing feeder line and provide a more reliable alternative power supply to the constituency.

In addition to the construction work, the project will involve clearing vegetation along sections of the feeder routes. Mr. Jinapor revealed that about 60 trees located along the proposed construction path will need to be removed to prevent interference with the electricity infrastructure.

He noted that the tree-felling exercise will require cooperation from residents living along the route, as well as official approval from the Forestry Commission of Ghana, since parts of the line pass through forested areas.

According to the minister, the ministry has already initiated the necessary processes to secure the required approval. He disclosed that the Forestry Commission of Ghana has been formally notified about the project and discussions are ongoing to facilitate the tree removal process.

Mr. Jinapor further revealed that the contract for the construction of the six-kilometre line has already been awarded. The agreement was signed on January 19, 2026, with Emessar Engineering Works, which will be responsible for constructing the new line to bridge the gap between Nsesemu on the Bonsu-Nkwanta feeder and Elukrom.

He explained that the completion of the project will allow the Benkyema feeder to serve as an alternative electricity source for Bia West. This arrangement is expected to significantly improve the stability and reliability of power supply to the district.

Mr. Jinapor also pointed out that the intervention will help reduce pressure on the Bonsu-Nkwanta feeder line, which currently transmits electricity over a long distance to supply Bia West.

“With the new arrangement, the feeder from Bonsu-Nkwanta will primarily serve the Bonsu-Nkwanta area, while the new line will connect Bia West to the more reliable Benkyema feeder,” he explained.

The minister further indicated that the Ministry has requested support from the Bia West District Assembly and the Member of Parliament to assist with clearing the trees along the construction route to ensure the project proceeds smoothly.

He added that the District Assembly had already taken steps to facilitate the process. On February 26, 2026, the Bia West District Assembly wrote to the Forestry Services Division seeking approval to remove the trees along the proposed route.

Mr. Jinapor said discussions with the Forestry Commission are still ongoing to secure the final approval required for the exercise, adding that he has personally engaged the minister responsible for the sector to expedite the process.

He assured residents of Bia West District that the government remains committed to addressing the power challenges facing the area and ensuring reliable electricity supply.

“Our government is not sleeping. We are working around the clock to deal with this hydra-headed problem and ensure reliable power supply for the people,” the minister stated.